Wilderness Walks Along Famous Trails in Kruger National Park

There are few things more thrilling than spotting the king of the jungle from atop an open safari truck--except for spotting one on foot. With a network of scenic trails and a staff of expert armed-guides, no trip to Kruger National Park is complete without a wilderness walk through the bush. Small groups of no more than eight people cover up to 12 miles by foot in a single afternoon, giving visitors a unique opportunity to really get up close with the wild. Metsi-Metsi Wilderness TrailThis scenic pass just six kilometers from the border of Mozambique is an ideal path to wander during dry season. The trail overlooks a waterhole, making it the perfect spot for viewing indigenous birds and major mammals, like rhinos and Elephants. Wolhuter Wilderness Trail—White Rhino CountrySituated halfway between Berg-en-Dal and Pretoriuskop, this trail is an homage to Harry and Henry Wolhuter, a father-son team who once patrolled Kruger. It’s the best place for spotting the illusive white rhino. Olifants Wilderness TrailThe Olifants Wilderness Trail is ideal for naturalists. The winding path follows along the southern bank of the Olifants River and covers a variety of terrain. Hikers can wander through African bush, trek deep into gorges and climb the foothills of the Lebombos Mountains, too. Sweni Wilderness TrailThe vast plains and arid grasslands of the Swenai Wilderness Trail are home to massive herds of zebra, wildebeest and even occasional giraffes. Visitors are likely to find elephants grazing near the Sweni Stream and have a good chance of spotting the Sweni Lion pride while exploring this trail on foot. Nyalaland Wilderness TrailNyalaland Wilderness Trail isn’t a spot for hikers looking to track big game, but for visitors eager to learn more about Kruger’s unique flora, like the fever tree and baobab forests, there is no better hike. Sky-high vantage points like Lanner Gorge, offer breathtaking views and access to some of the continent’s most unique birds.